Chapter 7: Chapter 7
On the day of Graduation, the graduating students wore their gowns feeling fulfilled. It is a one-time experience with some friends also in their graduation gown taking pictures. Parents and relatives sat at the rear watching their children smiling and all parents will always concentrate on their children. John’s family had their seat at the rear talking to each other. It was their first time to witness a graduation ceremony. They kept on whispering to each other as the occasion went on.
The Vice-Chancellor had taken enough time to advise the graduands, followed by the evangelist. He had discussed so many areas of life one may find themselves as the ceremony had progressed, the dean had his way to the ambo. He gave them words of advice and handed over to the professor, “Ladies and gentlemen and my amiable graduating students, today had been a day we all have been waiting for. The day to celebrate victory after life’s struggle. Without much ado, we will move straight to the presentation of certificates. Right from the history of this institution, there’s never been such hardworking and competitive students. These sets of graduands have shown intelligence and are competitive. Please can you put your hands together for them.” After much clapping, he continued. “In each department, we have had outstanding students with first-class. I will call their names according to the department and they will be offered awards and certificates.” All the best students from the various departments were called and given their awards. It was a wonderful scene for the audience. Some people were happy while others shaded tears of joy. The professor continued “ladies and gentlemen let us proceed to the last department. We tried our best to come out with an outstanding student, but the result was too encouraging. We had dozens of students who never slacked but still joined the train. I’m talking about the medicine and surgery department. Please once again put your hands together for them.” Continues, “after this outstanding performance, the examination board gathered and set up an examination. There is one thing in the medical field which is discipline. Being attentive to details, the instruction of the examination was to answer only one question out of forty.” The department graduate became very surprised to hear that “you can hear the sound of surprise. Yes, that was how the exam had taken them. So far, we had just two students who had observed the instruction.” Valor looked at John from behind and smiled. “I will then call their names to the stage for their outstanding performance. I call on Robert, John William please put your hands together for him the Boy started patting and cheering him as he moved out. Valor was very happy for him. Immediately, the next name was called, “Maurice, Valor Kingdom.” the people that knew him were shouting and cheering as he joined John on stage. They went on to the stage as their awards were presented. The cameramen took their shot. “These two students are the best students of the year. They are a symbol of excellence with great skills and discipline. They deserve this merit.” John’s father was already on his feet followed by his mother ready to clap. His friend beside him said, “is this not the boy you wanted to send to learn a trade?” his father replied “no, that was the old him.” There was a lot of clapping and celebration. After the occasion, families rejoiced with their beloved ones.
Valor had taken some pictures with his relatives that came, Alice was hiding somewhere. She was shy and couldn’t show herself. Valor called her out and introduced her to his mother. She was very Happy because Alice was nice looking. She said, “so you are the one” Alice replied, “yes am the one.” “so, you are the one that has been disturbing my son” Valor and Alice replied at the same time. “No, I didn’t! No way,” the cameraman cut in for more shots. Richard rushes in to join taking the shot. Gift was a distance admiring them, how happy they were. She said, “am not part of that family,” and left.
A little while Valor’s mother, relatives, and tenants all went home. She had instructed him not to come home late while she returns to work.
It was a great day to sit out with friends and be happy. Valor and Alice, Richard, and Henrietta. They were filled with joy and proud while they sit out till the evening.